Name: Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups butternut squash puree (about half of squash); 1 cup ricotta cheese; ½ cup milk or more, if needed; ¼ teaspoon salt plus ⅛ teaspoon more; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; 8 oz spinach (1 cup cooked spinach); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese; 2 garlic cloves minced; ¼ teaspoon salt; Pepper to taste; 10 oz lasagna noodles cooked (for gluten free, use Tinkyada brown rice lasagna noodles); 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese or more; ½ cup Parmesan cheese on top; ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon basil; Olive oil spray for greasing

There's something deeply comforting about layering creamy butternut squash and tender spinach between sheets of lasagna noodles, baking it until golden and bubbly. This Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Recipe has become one of my favorite cozy dinners that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing.

The image shows two square pieces of baked casserole on a white plate. Each piece has a golden-brown, slightly crispy top layer with some darker browned spots, indicating baked cheese or eggs. Below the top crust, there are visible layers of soft, creamy yellow and white textures mixed with small green pieces that look like spinach or herbs. The edges of the casserole pieces show a bit of layered, soft thickness. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a green cloth or napkin visible underneath the plate on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this dish countless times when I wanted something hearty but fresh and not too heavy. The combination of creamy butternut squash puree and savory spinach gives you layers of flavor that are both unique and unexpectedly delicious.

Rich and Creamy Layers: The butternut squash and ricotta mixture creates a smooth, velvety texture that blends perfectly with the spinach filling.
Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is fully vegetarian, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special gatherings.
Flexible Ingredients: Easily adaptable to gluten-free or vegan diets without losing that comforting homemade feel.
Make-Ahead Convenience: It reheats beautifully, so you can prep it ahead for busy weeknights or get-togethers.

The image shows a white round dish with a layered lasagna inside. The top layer is golden brown with melted cheese that has some darker, crispy spots and sprinkled herbs. The lasagna is cut into several pieces, with one piece removed, revealing the layers inside. The layers include a creamy orange sauce with bits of green spinach and white noodles, which are soft and slightly wavy. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe's magic lies in the harmonious blend of sweet butternut squash, earthy spinach, and creamy cheeses. When picking ingredients, look for fresh butternut squash—its natural sweetness balances the savory layers beautifully.

Flat lay of fresh butternut squash cut in half showing bright orange flesh and seeds, a small heap of fresh raw spinach leaves, a single clove of garlic unpeeled, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a few heaping spoonfuls of white ricotta cheese in a small white ceramic bowl, shredded mozzarella cheese neatly piled in another small white ceramic bowl, finely grated Parmesan cheese in a third small white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with creamy milk, a few dry gluten-free brown rice lasagna noodles arranged side by side in a simple symmetrical stack, and small white ceramic bowls containing Italian seasoning, paprika, and dried basil placed evenly spaced around ingredients, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butternut Squash: Roasted and pureed, this adds a naturally sweet, creamy base that elevates the dish's richness.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds subtle creaminess and binds the squash and spinach fillings without overpowering flavors.
Milk: Helps smooth out the butternut squash puree, making the filling silky and easy to spread.
Spinach: Fresh or frozen, it brings a vibrant earthiness and color contrast—plus a boost of nutrients.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly between layers, providing that gooey, stretchy texture everyone loves in lasagna.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top, delivers a sharp, tangy finish and gorgeous browning during baking.
Garlic: Infuses the spinach filling with warmth and depth, preventing it from tasting bland.
Lasagna Noodles: Traditionally cooked, but gluten-free options work wonderfully for dietary preferences.
Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Basil: These aromatics bring subtle complexity and make the dish feel truly special.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Recipe is how easily it adapts to your preferences. I often mix in fresh herbs from my kitchen garden or swap the ricotta for a vegan ricotta when friends come over.

Variation: I've had great success using no-boil gluten-free noodles when I’m short on time; just make sure to add an extra splash of milk to keep the filling moist.
Seasonal Twist: In winter, I toss some sautéed mushrooms into the spinach layer for earthiness and texture that pairs beautifully with the squash.
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the spinach filling adds a subtle warmth that balances the sweetness nicely.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash Filling

Start by roasting and pureeing your butternut squash until smooth. Then, combine 2 cups of that puree with ricotta cheese, a splash of milk, a pinch of salt, and a touch of nutmeg. Whisk everything together until creamy and smooth. If it feels too thick, add a bit more milk—this creaminess is key for easy spreading later on!

Step 2: Whip Up the Spinach Filling

Cook your spinach until just wilted, squeeze out excess moisture, and combine it with ricotta, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and taste — I sometimes add a squeeze of lemon juice here for a subtle brightness that complements the squash beautifully.

Step 3: Cook and Prep the Lasagna Noodles

Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Rinse them in cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. If needed, trim noodles to fit your baking dish perfectly—this little step makes layering much neater and fuss-free.

Step 4: Assemble Your Lasagna

I like to lightly oil my casserole dish, then start with a layer of the butternut squash filling spread evenly at the bottom. Sprinkle a little mozzarella on top, then layer lasagna noodles without overlapping—three noodles usually fit nicely. Next, spread half the spinach filling, sprinkle cheese, and top with noodles again. Repeat layering with squash filling, cheese, noodles, then the remaining spinach filling and noodles. The final layer gets a generous spread of butternut squash filling and a mix of Parmesan, mozzarella, and herbs.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting—it helps the layers set and makes serving cleaner.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make this lasagna truly shine, so here are my top tips to ensure you nail it every time.

Keep It Moist: Don’t skimp on adding milk to the squash puree—it keeps the layers creamy and prevents dryness during baking.
Drain Your Spinach Well: Excess water can turn your filling watery—wring it out tightly after cooking for best results.
Trim Noodles for Neat Layers: Cutting the noodles to fit snugly inside your dish avoids bunching and uneven layers.
Let It Rest: Give the lasagna 10 minutes after baking before slicing; this gives the layers time to set so your slices stay intact.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish each slice with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A drizzle of good olive oil or a few freshly cracked black peppercorns take it up a notch without competing with the rich filling.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly, cutting through the richness of the lasagna. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or a light garlic bread are my go-to sides that round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or when I want to impress, I make individual portions in small ramekins or a muffin tin—perfect for elegant plating or easy grab-and-go meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last about 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making for even tastier meals the next day.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes beautifully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying, for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. If you're in a rush, the microwave works too but keep an eye on it to avoid sogginess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Yes, frozen spinach works well as long as you thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before mixing it into the filling to avoid a watery lasagna.

Can I prepare this lasagna in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire lasagna the day before, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh just before dinner. This often enhances the flavors as they meld together overnight.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Swap the ricotta and mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives, and make vegan ricotta using tofu and lemon juice. Also, use a vegan Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for that cheesy finish.

Can I use no-boil noodles?

Yes! If using no-boil noodles, add a bit extra milk or vegetable stock to the squash puree to keep it moist, and bake the lasagna 10 minutes longer to ensure the noodles fully cook.

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Recipe always feels like a warm hug on a plate, and I hope it becomes one of your go-to dishes too. It’s approachable, nourishing, and flexible enough for all kinds of eaters. Give it a try the next time you want to impress your family or friends (or just treat yourself!). Trust me, once you taste those creamy layers baked to perfection, you’ll be hooked.